According to the legal ad, the RFP is for the “sale and mixed-use commercial development of the properties at 201, 227 and 229 Jefferson Ave.”

The deadline for proposals is March 19. The three lots offer a total of 0.55 acres of space.

Last March, a massive fire damaged four structures beyond repair. The city purchased the properties for a total of about $300,000.

The fire was so massive that 35 fire departments from Marshall, Wetzel, Ohio and Belmont counties responded to battle the blaze.

Shown here are the grassy, empty lots up for purchase and redevelopment in the historic business district on Jefferson Avenue in Moundsville. The city of Moundsville owns the half-acre property and is seeking requests for proposals. (Photo provided)

In his recent year end report to city council, Moundsville City Manager Rick Healy talked about the blaze and its impact on the downtown. He noted the fire began in the back of the former Remke Furniture building and eventually spread to five other structures. The fire dramatically changed the look of that portion of the historic district.

“All structures were considered a total loss and demolition began soon after. However, out of bad, comes good,” he said. “At one point, when it was feared the fire was going to continue to spread to the building housing Frames and Fortunes, everyone jumped in and started emptying their store and warehouse.

“Deputies, friends, other business owners and many others joined in like only Moundsville would do.

“The owners demolished the remaining structure soon after and the property was placed for sale. City council had the foresight to purchase this property and soon after the lot took on a whole new look as a grassy area.

“While the area looks great and is a great spot on Jefferson Friday night, RFPs were placed in early 2026. Ideally, a developer will see what we see in Jefferson Avenue and invest.”

The former Remke property was a large one, housing the Red Dragon Hybrid Tae Kwon Do martial arts school, along with Emily Dougherty Yoga and Toys for Tots West Virginia.

Healy said Monday that the city is open to considering a variety of proposals for the space.

“The city is hoping to receive developers with different ideas,” he said. “There is no set asking price. We’ll wait until we see any plans.”